Morocco frees journalist Ali Lmrabet amid ongoing legal scrutiny
Morocco frees journalist Ali Lmrabet amid ongoing legal scrutiny
- RSF_fr
Franco-Moroccan investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet walked free on July 15 after being held since July 12 upon arrival at Tanger airport. While authorities returned his seized equipment, legal proceedings against him continue, prompting watchdogs to urge authorities to drop the case entirely.
“We welcome the release of investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet and the return of his equipment. Yet this should not distract from the fact that the case remains open and the charges of ‘allegedly disseminating defamatory digital content against individuals and institutions’—which stem from his journalistic work—have not been dropped. Reporters Without Borders will remain vigilant and calls on Moroccan authorities to close this case permanently.
After appearing before prosecutors on July 15, Lmrabet was released under judicial supervision. The public prosecutor’s office confirmed the return of two laptops, an external storage device, and a mobile phone confiscated during his July 12 arrest. However, officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing, with technical assessments pending before any final legal measures are taken.
Speaking to RSF, Ali Lmrabet emphasized his commitment to ethical journalism: “I practice journalism, not politics. I am independent, unaffiliated with any party or ideology, and adhere to international press standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, insult, or harming individuals—whether in France, Spain, or Morocco. Practicing independent journalism that challenges state or security structures unsettles many, but it is my profession. I live by it, and I do so professionally.
His wife, Laura Feliu, echoed this sentiment: “We believe the prosecutor made the right call. The arrest lacked legal basis and violated due process, particularly since the alleged offenses occurred outside Morocco. We urge authorities to close this case once and for all so Ali can fully reclaim his freedom—including unrestricted travel as any Moroccan citizen should.
A prominent voice in critical journalism, Ali Lmrabet was detained at Tanger airport on July 12 and transferred to Casablanca’s National Judicial Police Brigade. Authorities placed him in custody under accusations of ‘allegedly disseminating defamatory digital content against individuals and institutions.’
Morocco currently ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.